699864_Group_Aera_UIC
Summary
SCH Number
2025060037
Public Agency
California Department of Conservation
(DOC)
Document Title
699864_Group_Aera_UIC
Document Type
NOE - Notice of Exemption
Received
Posted
6/2/2025
Document Description
Aera proposes to rework a total of 2 existing oil and gas well(s) in the existing and heavily developed South Belridge Oil Field to continue oil and gas resource development. The proposed Site for each rework operation will encompass an area of 100 feet by 200 feet (20,000 square feet, or 0.47 acres). The total area to be used in all proposed rework operations in the Administrative Grouping is approximately 40,000 sq ft (0.94 acres). Aera estimates it will take approximately 7 days per individual rework operation once work has begun. The first phase of the work for each rework operation will be site preparation. The specific rework activities for each well consists of cement squeezing perforations.
The proposed project consists of the California Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) approving # permit(s) for Aera Energy LLC (A0610) to rework the well(s) listed below, in the Belridge, South Oil Field.
API #
Well Name
0403041592 927GR2-34
0403023393 928NR-34
Contact Information
Name
Randall P. Jeffries
Agency Name
Department of Conservation, Geologic Energy Management Division
Job Title
Oil and Gas Program Analyst
Contact Types
Lead/Public Agency
Phone
Email
Name
Cliff Cohu
Agency Name
Submitter
Job Title
Submitter
Contact Types
Project Applicant
Phone
Email
Location
Coordinates
Counties
Kern
Regions
Southern California
Cross Streets
1159 ft N and 969 ft E from the SW section corner
Township
28S
Range
21E
Section
34
Base
MD
Other Location Info
Belridge, South
Notice of Exemption
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 1, Existing Facilities (14 CCR §§ 15301, 1684.1)
Reasons for Exemption
Class 1, Existing Facilities (14 CCR §§ 15301, 1684.1): The project is categorically exempt from CEQA under the “Class 1” (14 CCR § 15301) exemption per the CEQA Guidelines because the proposed project is a repair or minor alteration of existing facilities and will not involve an expansion of use of the oil field, and therefore is exempt from the need for full CEQA review. Additionally, in accordance with 14 CCR § 1684.1 the Class 1 exemption consists of operation repair, maintenance, minor alternation of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features involving negligible or no expansion of use beyond that existing previously. The entirety of this work is in an area of existing disturbance and no change in the surface topography (such as drainage patterns) is included in the work design. No new grading will occur in undisturbed areas. Additionally, a CalGEM engineer has confirmed that the proposed work would be a continuation of operations within UIC Project 05200004, as permitted by the Project Approval Letter (PAL).
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 2, Replacement or Reconstruction (14 CCR § 15302)
Reasons for Exemption
Class 2, Replacement or Reconstruction (14 CCR § 15302): Class 2 applies because it consists of “replacement or reconstruction of existing structures and facilities where the new structure will be located on the same site as the structure replaced and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity as the structure replaced. Work will be conducted on an existing well on an existing well pad. No production facilities and no new ground surface disturbance will be associated with this project. Any waste materials will be properly disposed of in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations. Additionally, a CalGEM engineer has confirmed that the proposed work would be a continuation of operations within UIC Project 05200004, as permitted by the PAL.
Exempt Status
Categorical Exemption
Type, Section or Code
Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land (14 CCR §§ 15304, 1684.2)
Reasons for Exemption
Class 4, Minor Alterations to Land (14 CCR §§ 15304, 1684.2): Class 4 exemption applies. The proposed project would be conducted entirely on an existing pad with enough space to contain all equipment. The project would not disturb any undisturbed areas. The proposed project is located within an industrial area. Therefore, the proposed project “consists of drilling operations that result in only minor alterations with negligible or no permanent effects to the existing condition of the land, water, air, and/or vegetation.” The rework/sidetrack would not expand the facility. The entirety of this work is in an area of existing disturbance and no change in the surface topography (such as drainage patterns) is included in the work design. No new grading will occur in undisturbed areas. Regular operations at the site would include removal of weeds and other ruderal vegetation for fire control and road maintenance. The current land use for the proposed rework activities consists of dedicated oil and gas operations located within the South Belridge Oil Field. The project will not disturb any undisturbed areas or result in the expansion or construction of facilities.
Attachments
Notice of Exemption
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